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Info
What is this web site?
The Electronic Music Weblog site is for the use of students enrolled in Intro to Electronic Music, Intermediate Electronic Music, or Special Projects in Music (Music 40 - electronic music only).
How do I join the site?
All students enrolled in these classes should join the website by clicking on the "Join now" link in the sidebar at left side of every page.
What can members do on the site?
After you become a member you can re-enter the site by clicking on the "Login" link and entering your user name and password. Please remember to log out when you finish.
Members of this site can post messages and reply to messages posted by other members. We'll use this as a way to ask questions, trouble-shoot, make suggestions and so on... all while using the web browser right in the studio.
Memberships will be deleted at the end of each term and non-student memberships may be deleted at any time. Posting material unrelated to the courses or other inappropriate use of the class web site (as determined by the instructor) or registration using false or inaccurate information will result in termination of membership.
How do I change my membership settings?
If you ever need to change your account settings after you join you can do so at http://faculty.deanza.edu/mitchell/ElectronicMusic/prefs/.
What will I learn in Intro to Electronic Music: Music 51?
You will become competent at using entry-level sequencing software to create music using synthesizers, computers, and MIDI. You will learn about operating keyboard synths and drum machines. You will understand basic concepts of MIDI. By the end of the course you will be able to create short musical projects using these skills. You will also be a more knowledgable consumer - very important if you are considering buying software and equipment. You will also learn about the development and history of electronic music.
What software is used in the Electronic Music classes?
We use a variety of programs including Logic, an integrated audio and MIDI sequencing application (Music 51A and Music 8B); Reason, an integrated "virtual rack" program (Music 8B), and others.
Who can take Intro to Electronic Music?
There are no prerequisites for Intro to Electronic Music, so any De Anza College student may enroll in the class.
How much music background do I need in order to succeed in Intro to Electronic Music?
The answer to this question depends on your goals. As mentioned above, there are no prerequisites and some students with little or no musical experience have succeeded in the course. If you have any music experience at all (play in a band, sang in choir, took piano lessons as a kid, etc.) you should be able to do fine in this class.
Students with more musical background and training will often do different types of projects than those students with less formal musical training. All assignments in this class are designed to accommodate these differences.
Who can take Intermediate Electronic Music: Music 8?
This class is designed for students who have successfully completed Intro to Electronic Music: Music 51. Any student who completes that Intro class and wants to learn more should enroll in the Intermediate class.
Students who have not previously taken Intro to Electronic Music may may be able to take the Intermediate class in situations like the following:
- You took a similar Intro class somewhere else.
- You have equivalent experience, even if you are self-taught.
- You have significant experience in a related subject such as audio production, film/tv, computers, etc and some experience in electronic music.
Contact Dan Mitchell if you have questions in this regard: mitchelldan@deanza.edu.
What will I learn in Intermediate Electronic Music?
You will learn how to:
- use professional-level sequencing and audio software.
- work in a studio with multiple devices and software programs.
- create musical projects using this hardware/software.
- analyze and troubleshoot common studio problems.
- find and share information about electronic music and related topics.
What if I want to learn more after I finish Intermediate Electronic Music: Music 8?
After you complete the full two-term sequence of De Anza College electronic music classes you may take Special Projects: Music 40 for 1 unit. This gives you access to the studio and to consultation with the instructor. (Note that enrollment in Special Projects is at the instructor's prerogative and may be limited.)
Do the classes use Mac or PC computers?
We use Macintosh computers and software.
But what if I want to learn how to do electronic music on a PC?
No problem! The classes are designed so that the knowledge and skills you acquire can be used on either computer platform and in any software package. Despite the marketing claims, most of the programs at particular price-points on either platform tend to provide similar features that are available in other programs as well.
Which it better for Music, PC or Mac?
I'm not going to try to resolve that one here! ;-)
But I can't resist a few basic comments. You can do good creative work on either platform. There are differences in the configuration and setup and that may affect your decision. This is a topic that we can, and usually do, discuss in class.
If you are thinking of purchasing a computer for music, I recommend that you wait until you have taken at least the Intro class, if not the whole sequence of classes. Use our stuff for free while you learn important information that will help you make a wise purchase later.
A few basic suggestions:
- If you are going to rely heavily on family/friends/associates for computer support you are more likely to want the same hardware/software that they use.
- If you already have a computer, first see what you can do with your current hardware before you spend a lot of money on something new.
- If there is some specific task that you want to perform that is only possible (or much easier) on one platform your choice is obvious. (But investigate carefully first. People often make incorrect claims about the deficiencies of the platform that they don't use!)
- If one of the above points doesn't make the choice for you, select a Macintosh. They are generally simpler to configure and troubleshoot and they are used heavily in the music world.
What kind of synthesizer, etc. should I buy if I'm going to take these clases?
This is a common question - but don't buy anything yet if you are about to take electronic music! After you take the class and learn more about electronic music and the ways you want to use it you will be ready to start looking for the equipment that is best for you. Your choices will depend a lot on your intended use, what you can afford, what equipment you already have, and so on.
Wait... and use our equipment for free while you learn and gain experience that will make you a smarter buyer.
What if I have other questions?
You can email me at mitchelldan@deanza.edu. (You can call my office at 408-864-8511, but email is generally quicker - especially on days when class does not meet.)
If you are enrolled in one of my classes, and a member of this web site, you can post a discussion message (see New Topic in the sidebar) containing your question. You can also talk to me in class or during an office hour.
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